Autoblog

Mitsubishi recalls nearly 30k 2008-2009 Lancer/Lancer EVO models over airbag sensors

Michael Harley — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Evo X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Potential corrosion of the front impact airbag sensor has prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall up to 29,353 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution models. NHTSA is concerned that long-term exposure to a mixture of melted snow and salt thrown up by other vehicles on the road may cause the wintery mixture to adhere to the front impact sensor and lead to corrosion over time. In the event of an accident or collision, a damaged sensor may short-circuit and delay airbag deployment possibly causing driver or passenger injury. The recall is currently limited to states where heavy road salt is used in the winter (i.e., Connecticut, New York, Wisconsin, etc...).

Mitsubishi dealers have been instructed to replace the airbag sensors with a redesigned model with improved corrosion resistance. Of course, the service will be performed at no charge. While the safety recall isn't scheduled to begin until November 27, 2009, owners may contact Mitsubishi Customer Relations at 888-648-7820, contact NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit NHTSA on the Internet at www.safercar.gov. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Mitsubishi recalls nearly 30k 2008-2009 Lancer/Lancer EVO models over airbag sensors

Mitsubishi recalls nearly 30k 2008-2009 Lancer/Lancer EVO models over airbag sensors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro-only: Mitsubishi Evolution FQ-330 SST

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Evolution X - Click above for a high-res image gallery

In keeping with Mitsubishi's FQ tradition abroad, the automaker has developed a new model to fit in between the standard FQ-300 and the insanity known as the FQ-400. The Mitsubishi Evolution FQ-330 (almost) lives up to its namesake by delivering an additional 29 hp (up from the standard Evo's 300 hp) and an additional 22 lb-ft. of torque for a total of 322. The sprint to 60 mph drops accordingly, with 0.3 seconds shaved from the standard cars 4.7-second time. The minimal powertrain changes consist of a reworked intake, high-flow down-pipe, exhaust and catalytic converter and a re-mapped ECU to make use of the breathing mods. As it's name would suggest, the FQ-330 is equipped with Mitsubishi's new six-speed Twin-Clutch Sports Shift Transmission (TC-SST), and the whole packages only commands a £3,000 premium over the standard Evo, at £35,999. Jump for all the details.

Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Continue reading Euro-only: Mitsubishi Evolution FQ-330 SST

Euro-only: Mitsubishi Evolution FQ-330 SST originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback on sale in U.S. this summer

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Mitsubishi finally announced what we've known all along: the five-door Lancer Sportback is coming to the States for the 2010 model year and sales will begin this summer.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback builds on the already competent Lancer sedan, although the overall length is slightly longer to accommodate the new hatch. One-touch auto-folding rear seats split 60:40 to make room for "active lifestyle" parcels and Mitsubishi dropped the rear cargo area floor by three inches to create 52.7 cubic-feet of space when the rear thrones are folded flat.

The Sportback will be available in two trims, beginning in GTS form and equipped with Mitsubishi's 168 hp, 2.4-liter inline four mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT with six "virtual" ratios. More importantly, the Sportback will be offered in Ralliart guise, with the detuned Evolution X's turbocharged 4B11 2.0-liter four putting out 237 hp and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. Power will be doled out to all four wheels through Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control (AWC) system with Active Center Differential (ACD), and buyers can opt for either the six-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift transmission (TC-SST) or CVT gearbox, both of which are manipulated by a set of magnesium-alloy paddle shifters.

Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but once all the options boxes are ticked on the Ralliart, expect the price to still be under $30k. Make the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback on sale in U.S. this summer

Officially Official: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback on sale in U.S. this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA docs confirm 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback coming in GTS and Ralliart trims

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Any chance we get to grill a Mitsubishi PR person about the 2009 Lancer Sportback, our questioning inevitably centers on whether the five-door will be packing the Lancer Ralliart's turbocharged, all-wheel-drivetrain. At the New York Auto Show, we were told that the Sportback would "probably" carry the Ralliart's 237-hp, turbocharged inline-four and Evo IX-derived AWD system, but nobody from Mitsubishi would confirmed it. Some snooping at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website reveals that Mitsubishi has already filed with the Feds for three different drivetrains for the 2009 hatch, including the GTS' 2.4-liter four-pot attached to either a CVT or five-speed manual, and a 2.0-liter DOHC turbo equipped with an "Automatic (S6)." The automatic in question is almost assuredly the six-speed twin-clutch (TC-SST) gearbox available on the Ralliart. For those of you unable to get around the recently redesigned 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX hatch's shape, a credible contender has arrived, and it should be hitting dealers this spring.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Gallery: Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

[Source: EPA via IL]

EPA docs confirm 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback coming in GTS and Ralliart trims originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Mitsubishi

Click above for high-res gallery of Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Rounding out the Mitsubishi Lancer line this year is the new Lancer Sportback, also in extra spicy Ralliart flavor. It's everything you love about the Lancer plus the space, versatility and convenience of a wagon - the first time since the '80s you'll be able to have your cake and haul it, too. If it weren't for the spoiler, which is aptly called the "rear wing", and the subwoofer in the trunk, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was just another cool little wagon. But thanks to the Lancer Ralliart's turbocharged 2.0L MIVEC engine producing 237 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque and Twin-Clutch SST transmission, you'll soon be able to get those groceries with gusto. And it's the only wagon we know of with an access hatch to the central differential. All the details can be found in Mitsubishi's official press release after the jump, and live shots of the Lancer Sportback and Sportback Ralliart can be viewed in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Continue reading Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback

Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's a revelation: being stuck in traffic sucks. And it's even more infuriating behind the wheel of an Evo.

Despite what some scribes might lead you to believe, the Evos of yore (VIII and IX) weren't deplorable daily drivers. Granted, Mitsu's engineers erred on the stiff side with the Evo's ride, and it didn't help that the tiller provided more feedback than a Metallica sound check. But the real reason jaded journos harped on the old Evo's workaday unfriendliness was because nothing is more frustrating than piloting concentrated adrenaline in a sea of buzzkill.

With the 2008 Evolution X, Mitsubishi attempted to rectify some of the Evo's (perceived) shortcomings by equipping the range-topping MR with more amenities, more sound-deadening material, a more compliant ride and a new twin-clutch transmission to balance back-road thrills with daily livability.

But all those extras have caused the Evo's curb weight to skyrocket, and its price tag has followed suit. For $42,000 - the sticker on our MR tester - you can get your hands on the new yardstick for high-end, entry-level performance: the BMW 335i. While that kind of wallet shock could ostracize the Evo's core demographic, Mitsubishi is quick to point out that the new MR is for the discerning enthusiast: a more sensible, mature owner. But does mature mean infirmed? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR

Continue reading Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR

Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart priced at $26,490

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Mitsubishi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.

Mitsubishi has just released pricing on the all-new 2009 Lancer Ralliart and for $26,490, you can get behind the wheel of the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Evo Lite. Equipped with the same 4B11T/C as the Evolution X, the Ralliart is putting out 237 hp through a modified version of the Evo IX's AWD system. That includes an Active Center Differential, along with front and rear mechanical LSDs and settings for Tarmac, Gravel and Snow. Active Stability Control is part of the package, as is Traction Control, but unfortunately, Ralliartists have to make due without the Active Yaw Control equipped on its big brother.

The optional Recaro Sport Package will set you back an additional $2,750, and includes front Recaro buckets, HID headlamps, a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system with a six month subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio.

All the details are available in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

Continue reading Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart priced at $26,490

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart priced at $26,490 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mitsubishi readying Lancer Sportback crossover

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Sources out of Japan suggest that Mitsubishi is considering offering a jacked-up version of the Lancer Sportback to international markets in 2010. The new model would come equipped with a higher ride height, a restyled fascia and protective body panels similar to those found on the old Subaru Outback and Audi Allroad.

Based off the current Lancer architecture, the compact crossover is almost guaranteed to be packing the Evolution IX's all-wheel-drive system, and if Mitsubishi offers the 240hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter from the Ralliart, the Sportback X could be a serious contender in a market filled with bland and dynamically-challenged CUVs.

[Source: Carscoop]

Rumormill: Mitsubishi readying Lancer Sportback crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi MRX09 "Racing Lancer" to tackle Dakar in '09

Alex Nunez — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SUV, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click above image to enlarge

The purpose-built rally car that Mitsubishi fields in the no-longer-aptly-named 2009 Dakar (the venue for the race is now South America, remember) will shed its Pajero moniker as well as the nominal styling elements that tied it to the Mitsu SUV. Instead, the new MRX09 is the "Racing Lancer". As such, the front end gets the Lancer's "Run for your lives!" gaping maw grille and squinty headlamps. In its press release announcing the updated vehicle, Mitsubishi also reaches for another Lancer tie-in when it points out the happy coincidence that the MRX09's bodywork "is redolent of the Lancer Sportback", which is another way of saying, "it slopes down in the rear." In any case, the Lancerized bodywork is more appealing than the squareback rump the Pajero racer wore. The new race buggy's drivetrain consists of the erstwhile Pajero Evolution's competition-prepped e4WD system and 3.0L turbodiesel producing over 260 horses and 480 lb-ft of torque. Air will be caught, sand will be kicked, and if history is any indication, a trophy will be hoisted when all's said and done.

[Source: Mitsubishi via Paul Tan]

Continue reading Mitsubishi MRX09 "Racing Lancer" to tackle Dakar in '09

Mitsubishi MRX09 "Racing Lancer" to tackle Dakar in '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (supposedly) to start under $27k

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Mitsubishi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.

According to Greb Migliore, an Autoweek scribe attending the Ralliart's press launch, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart will arrive in showrooms this September with a price tag under $27,000. The turbocharged middleweight sedan - aimed squarely at the Subaru WRX - is a clear choice for those that don't want to shill out $40k for its big brother the Evolution X.

Instead, you can get the same 4B11T/C engine (equipped with a smaller turbo) sending 237 hp and 253 lb.-ft. of torque to Mitsubishi's dual-clutch SST gearbox and on down to a modified version of the Evo IX's all-wheel-drive setup. Go crazy with the options, including Recaros, Sirius radio, sat nav and HID headlamps, and you'll be knocking on the $30k ceiling.

However, don't hold Migliore (or Mitsubishi) to that price just yet. The final cost hasn't been determined and will be dependent on currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

[Source: Autoweek]

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (supposedly) to start under $27k originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart sneaks out ahead of Paris show

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click above for more spy shots of the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback.

We're eagerly anticipating the debut of the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and its Ralliart variant in Paris this September, and these recent shots of the five-door making the rounds in Barcelona are just enough to keep us interested. Judging by the German numberplates and a couple of shots that surfaced on Autoweek.nl, we'd guess that the Ralliart Sportback is in the hands of motoring journalists abroad or was on its way to a photoshoot ahead of its launch.

As we've seen previously, the Ralliart hatch takes the Evo-styled front end from its four-door counterpart, along with new side sills, darkened wheels and a subtle rear spoiler. In Europe, the Lancer Sportback will come equipped with either a 1.5- or 1.8-liter four, or a 2.0-liter turbodiesel, while those of us in the U.S. get to enjoy an Evolution experience on the cheap, with a de-tuned version of the 4B11T/C 2.0-liter four, producing 237 hp and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. We like it in red, white or slate grey would be our chosen hue when the Sportback goes on sale in the States early next year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback

Gallery: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

[Sources: The Auto Union, Autoweek.nl]

Spy Shots: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart sneaks out ahead of Paris show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2008: Mitsubishi Ralliart Sportback a definite maybe

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:41:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Wagon, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi Prototype-S.

Mitsubishi's revised strategy for the U.S. market was outlined last month in its "Step Up 2010" business plan that seeks to renew the automaker's focus on competing with the major players in North America. The one bit of information that caught out eye in Mitsu's press release was a plan to offer a hatchback Lancer into its range. While the Prototype-S whet our appetite, there was no definitive confirmation that the Ralliart drivetrain in the concept would be fitted to the five-door when it makes its production debut, likely sometime next year. According to a Mitsubishi spokesperson we talked to here in New York, the wagon is coming, and when asked if it would be equipped with the 235-hp turbocharged four and all-wheel-drive system, his response was, "Probably Ralliart. But you can only speculate on that." Good enough for us, but from what we've heard ourselves, a U.S.-market Sportback is past the speculation stage already..

Gallery: Mitsubishi Prototype S

New York 2008: Mitsubishi Ralliart Sportback a definite maybe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi releases long-term business plan, Lancer Sportback coming to North America

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Mitsubishi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi Prototype-S concept.

Mitsubishi put out a press release earlier today outlining its global business plan for the next few years. The official title of the blueprint for Mitsubishi's future is "Step Up 2010" and the automaker's overall prognostication looks good globally, but more "bear" than "bull" for the U.S. market.

Sales in the States are expected to drop by some 15,000 units by 2011, something that isn't entirely unexpected, while Mitsubishi figures that worldwide sales will increase from the 1.34 million units sold currently to 1.42 million by March 31, 2011. Most of the boom is expected to come from emerging markets in Brazil, China, India, the Middle East and Russia, with the latter expected to climb by close to 70-percent and eclipsing the American market by around 63,000 vehicle sales.

Mitsubishi's focus in the U.S. will primarily center on making a profit over selling as many vehicles as it can. To that effect, incentives will be reduced, dealer quality will be improved and a renewed focus on passenger cars will be established. On the product front, Mitsubishi is touting the introduction of the Evolution X that's currently on sale, plus a redesigned Eclipse that will be coming to market in the next few years. Although there wasn't much in the way of product announcements, the release clearly stated that it would offer "a sport hatchback Lancer model [after the release of the Evo X]." Incredibly good news for enthusiasts, particularly if it equips the Sportback with the Ralliart's drivetrain, similar to the Prototype-S that's due to be unveiled next week in Geneva.

Mitsubishi's full press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Prototype S

Continue reading Mitsubishi releases long-term business plan, Lancer Sportback coming to North America

Mitsubishi releases long-term business plan, Lancer Sportback coming to North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback sketches surface

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click the image above for a high-res gallery.

Our new friend Dan sent us a few sketches of what's supposedly the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, a near production-ready version of the Sportback Concept that debut back in 2005. Although we're not sure if these are official images out of Mitsu-HQ, they're very similar to some of the concept sketches we've seen in the past.

This new shot stays true to the original Sportback concept's profile and lines, but comes complete with a front clip that's more reminiscent of the rest of the Lancer line and a rear end that looks far more feasible for production. When the hatch finally makes it to dealers, likely sometime later this year, expect power to come from a 2.4-liter four, with an Evo version getting the same turbocharged 2.0-liter and all-wheel-drive system from its four-door sibling. And if Mitsubishi is smart, and decides to bring the hatch to the States, a Ralliart version to compete with the Subaru Impreza WRX five-door should be in the cards.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Prototype S

Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback sketches surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart... we're sold

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:16:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Mitsubishi

click above image to view more high-res images of the Lancer Ralliart

Mitsubishi has made up for the crimes it perpetrated on enthusiasts with the last two generations of the Lancer Ralliart. In atonement for its sins, it's fitted the new Ralliart with a detuned version of the 4B11T pulled from the Evolution X, producing 235 hp and an unknown amount of torque. Additionally, Mitsubishi has decided to fit the Twin Clutch-SST transmission, pulled from the high-power and high-priced Evo X MR. The TC-SST clicks off the shifts through a set of steering wheel mounted paddles and sends power to a full-time all-wheel-drive system equipped with Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD).

The exterior is so reminiscent of the Ralliart's big Evolved brother that we're sure it'll be mistaken for the X and in addition to the absolutely boss Recaro buckets, the interior materials and amenities seem several notches above its base brethren.

On a personal note: As the guy that berated the Lancer ES in our recent Garage review, when the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart goes on sale this summer, I'll be one of the first ones in line. It's obvious that the Ralliart is aimed squarely at Subaru's WRX and if they can keep the price around the Subie's (about $25k), the Ralliart stands as one of the performance bargains of the decade. And just think of the mods....

Check Mitsubishi's full press release plus video after the jump and our gallery of live and press shots below.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

Continue reading Detroit 2008: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart... we're sold

Detroit 2008: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart... we're sold originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart snapped in parking lot

Alex Nunez — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mitsubishi

Click image to enlarge

According to poster jmk2888 at the EvolutionM.net forums, the car you see here is indeed the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. The poster, who indicates that he works for Mitsubishi in California, says that the car was in the lot briefly but is now "on the way to an auto show." Funny, we happen to be going to an auto show next week, so let's assume the Lancer Ralliart's on its way to Detroit for its official unveiling.

According to the jmk2888, here are the pertinent stats. To be safe, treat everything as speculation for now until we get official info from Mitsubishi:

230 - 240 turbocharged horsepower
AWD
5-speed manual gearbox or Twin Clutch SST available
Recaro front seats
Gunmetal-finish Lancer GTS wheels
GTS rear wing
Nav system available

In front, the Ralliart gets a unique fascia dominated by a large (but not Evo X-large), chrome-rimmed grille opening. At the top right section of the grille itself, you can see the telltale Ralliart badge. According to the poster, the car in the photo is painted in the orangey-red "Sunset Pearlescent" finish that's currently available on the Eclipse. He also states that there's Ralliart branding on the rear of the car, and some other posters have noted that this car appears to be equipped with the same HID headlamps as the Evo X. Assuming it's going to be in Detroit, expect complete details and many photos of Mitsu's new Subaru WRX competitor early next week.

[Source: EvolutionM via Carscoop]

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart snapped in parking lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer - Click above for high-res image gallery

As any kid learns on Christmas morning, expectations are a bitch. And once you've made the transition to adulthood, things don't change. It's widely accepted that most of us who pray at the altar of the car Gods are simply eight-year olds with a bit more expendable income... and for the most part, that's true. There are a few synapses that get fired when we overcook a particular corner in our daily rides, the same ones that were triggered when we yanked up on the makeshift e-brake of our Big Wheels. So when we took delivery of a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES, we were expecting handling and motivation to match the new Lancer's aggressive styling, even in this just-better-than-base model. After seven days of merciless flogging, we were left with a sport compact-sized hole in our hearts, just like when Santa didn't leave the Super Nintendo underneath our tree.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

Continue reading Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart to have 260 HP engine, Evo IX's AWD

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Mitsubishi, UK

It's been generally accepted that the sales success of the first generation Subaru Impreza WRX caused Mitsubishi to rethink its policy of keeping the Evo off U.S.-bound boats. The Evolution's introduction in the States was quickly followed by the STI's, and all was right in the AWD performance segment. Not quite. Mitsubishi needs a direct competitor to the base WRX and as we've seen already, the Ralliart moniker is coming back, and it won't be limited to a couple of stickers and 15-inch O.Z. wheels.

Some European journalists were assembled by Mitsubishi this week (likely an Evo X ride and drive) and it was revealed that a five-door version of the Lancer would be made available abroad sporting a 260 hp engine and the Evolution IX's all-wheel-drive system. If this is the same setup as the Ralliart Lancer we'll be getting in the U.S., that pegs the 2008 Subaru WRX with a 36 hp deficiency, not to mention the wizardry of the last generation Evo AWD system.

Also noted in the article were three different versions of the Evolution X that our friends across the pond will get in the coming years, with models creating 295 hp, 330 hp and 360 hp. No surprise, since they've been blessed with a number of FQ-models over the course of the Evo's lifespan.

[Source: 4Car]

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart to have 260 HP engine, Evo IX's AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2007 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C&D first to drive the slower but faster Mitsubishi Evo GSR

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Performance, Japan, Mitsubishi

Our pulpy friends over at 2002 Hogback Road have gotten their hands on the latest version of Mitsubishi's Evo, the Evo X. Car and Driver's November 2007 issue has a preview of the Evo X, and they found that while the new car gives up speed to the outgoing model in a drag race, it kicks it in the teeth if curves are on the menu. Any car that can run a 13.8-second quarter mile is not slow, anyway. Consider that you get that kind of speed for a base price of $30,000, and 295 horsepower from two-liters is impressive. C&D's numbers are from the Evo GSR, and a JDM one at that, but changes for US-bound Evos are down to details.

Putting the 295 horsepower and 300 lb/feet of torque to the ground in a seamless manner is a bucketful of acronyms. There's a new dual-clutch sequential gearbox called Twin-Clutch SST that is bolted to four coordinated systems that get the overall descriptor of Super All Wheel Control. S-AWC combines a center differential with yaw control, stability control, and a rear differential with separate clutches for the left and right wheels. The structure is stiffer and lighter, and in the boy-racer arena, the Evo's always been a sweet driver, which hasn't changed. In fact, the character of the car has become a little less uncouth, which purists may cry about, but the rest of us will just giggle like schoolgirls as the Evo X replicates the video game experience IRL.

[Source: VWVortex]

Thanks for the tip, Chris!

C&D first to drive the slower but faster Mitsubishi Evo GSR originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dealers sell out Mitsubishi Lancer GTS

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Mitsubishi

If a company is going to have a problem, this is the kind of problem it wants to have -- even though it's still... a problem. Mitsubishi expected the mid-level Lancer ES to account for the bulk of Stateside sales. Buyers, though, are all about the $18,115 Lancer GTS, making them 60% of sales. The GTS rides above the ES with bigger wheels and brakes and a sport suspension, as well as body mods that make it look faster, if nothing else.

Total Lancer sales through July of this year were 20,816, which included the last of the previous generation. After launching sales of the new Lancer in the US, it is also now being sold in Russia and Japan. In response to the demand for the GTS model, Mitsubishi has actually canceled 1,700 orders for the GTS placed by US dealers. The only option left for dealers until the end of November: order an ES and get a GTS later, which doesn't seem like much of an option for dealers or buyers.

[Source: Auto News, Sub Req'd]

Dealers sell out Mitsubishi Lancer GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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